Shoe-eastemitg- device



\l. M. TAYLOR.

SHOE FASTENING DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED APR. 20. 1918 Patented June 17, 1919.

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VIRGIL M. TAYLOR, 0F BEMIDJ I, MINNESOTA.

SHOE-FASTENING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 17, 1919.

Application filed April 20, 1918. Serial No. 229,761.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, VIRGIL M. TAYLOR, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bemidji, in the county of Beltrami and State of Minnesota,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shoe-Fastening Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in fasteners, and the primary object ofthe invention is to provide a simple and efficient type of fastener for shoe uppers, that is adaptedto supplement the conventional typeof buttons or laces which are commonly used, and which forms a much more efficient fastening means for articles of this character.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shoe fastener of this character, which includes a plurality of separable fasteners disposed in cooperative relation on the adjacent faces of the edges of the upper, and which fasteners are supplemented by a supplemcntal fastening means at the top of the edges which securely holds the same in position, and prevents any possibility of disengagement. 1

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character which is easily and simply constructed, inexpensive to manufacture, and one which will be very efficient in operation.

With these and numerous other objects in view, my invention consists of the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts which will be herein re ferred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe showing the new and improved type of fastener positioned thereon,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one of the eyelets of the separable fasteners,

Fig. 3 is a similar view of one of the hook members of the fastener, and

Fig. 4 is a view showing the separable fastener in locked position, the hook member is this view being removed from the face of the flap to which it is ordinarily attached.

In describing my invention, I shall refer to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The numeral 1 designates a shoe of the conventional type, which is provided with an upper 2 having overlapping edges or flaps 3 and 4 at the front thereof, such as is common to this construction of shoe. The adjacent faces of the overlapping edges are provided with a plurality of separable fasteners broadly designated by the numeral 5, the construction of which will be hereinafter inore fully described.

The top of the overlapping edge 3 of the upper, is cut away, as clearly shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, and extending upwardly therefrom is a strap 6, which is adapted to be positioned through the loop 7 and secured to the flap 4 adjacent the top thereof, whereupon said strap extends downwardly and outwardly, it being connected adjacent the extremity by means of a buclgle 8 positioned on the upper 2, as clearly shown in said figure of the drawing. This form of fastening means is used in conjunction with the separable fastener to securely hold the upper in locked position.

The separable fasteners comprise each an eyelet 9, which is formed with a triangular base 10, having projecting prongs 11 thereon adapted to be secured in the face of the edge 4 of the upper 2. Theside of the base 10 is raised as shown at 12, and extending laterally therefrom over the apex of the triangle, is a rod 13 having on its extremity a downward extending portion 14 that is connected with the apex. This member is preferably all formed in one piece, which is clearly shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing.

The separable connecting member that is positioned through the eye, is formed hook shaped as designated at 16, one portion of the hook, that is the main portion being se cured to the under face of the edge 3 of the upper, while the hook portion 16 is bent inwardly as shown at 17 adjacent its extremity, to securely hold the said member in locked position, as clearly shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing. These two members are disposed substantially in a single plane, and it is obvious that they may be easily engaged or disengaged as desired. Preferably the bill of the hook is formed of spring metal, so that the same will snap into engagement when positioned over the portion of the eye member through which it is engaged, and it lies against or in a plane substantially parallel to the material of the shoe upper thereby permitting a snug fit of the shoe flaps.

The operation of this type of shoe fastener is very simple, as when the two flaps of the 111g rod 13 and downwardly extending portion 14: thereon in conjunction with the base,

10 of the eyelet member. The very construe tion of the separable fasteners permits rapid engagement or disengagement, but securely holds the same together when in locked position.

The supplemental fastener is brought into operation, after the separable fasteners are connected, and this is accomplished by moving the strap 6 through the loop '7, and buckling the GXlJlOll'lltY thereof to the upper as clearly shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing. Connection of the supplemental fastener will tend to securely hold the hooks lifted upwardly, so that the pull will always be in that direction, and hence insure their positive engagement with the eyelet members.

From the above description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, it is thought that a clear and comprehensive understanding of the construction, operation, and advantages of my invention may be had, and while I have shown and described my invention as embodying a specific structure, I desire that it be understood that such changes may be made in said structure as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim is new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. A separable fastener of the class described ineluding an eye member provided with a substantially triangular attaching base, a hook member engageable therewith and disposed substantially in a single plane, attaching means carried by the hook and eye members, and a bent portion adjacent the extremity of said hook to securely hold the fastener in position.

2. A separable fastener of the class described includin an eye member having a substantially trlan-gular shaped base, one side of said base being raised, a laterally projecting outwardly disposed rodthe-reof eX- tending to a point over the-extremity of the triangle, a downward-1y extending portion on said extremity connected with the apex of the triangle, a hook member with-a detent formed adjacent its extremity adapted for engagementthrough said eye member, and attaching means :for the hook and eye members.

In testimony whereof, I .afiix my signature hereto.

7 VIRGIL M. TAYLOR.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Iatehts, Washington, D. G. 

